Jail for beggar who spat in officers’ face

A prolific beggar who breached his criminal behaviour order and spat in the face of a police officer has been jailed.

Prolific beggar jailed

Luke Solomon, 30, of no fixed abode, was jailed for 40 weeks on Saturday (February 29) after pleading guilty to eight breaches of a criminal behaviour order (CBO), two counts of resisting a constable and assaulting an emergency worker at Huntingdon Magistrates’ Court.

Solomon was issued a CBO in August 2017 prohibiting him from begging in Cambridge city and rough sleeping in East Road, Elizabeth Way, Chesterton Road, Northampton Street, Queen’s Road, Fen Causeway, Lensfield Road and Gonville Place until further notice.

Between January 23 and February 28, Solomon was seen begging in Fitzroy Street, St Andrew’s Street, the Grand Arcade and Grafton Centre eight times.

When officers arrested him on Friday afternoon (February 28) he resisted arrest and spat in the face of one officer.

PC Jamie Tumber said: “Solomon’s behaviour can often be problematic and antisocial for businesses and the public across the city centre.

“We have worked with him and services in the city to try and get him the accommodation and drug support he needs to prevent re-offending and will continue to do so on his release from prison.”